If there was ever a piece of business content that gets you ready to slide into the weekend, it’s Thirsty Thursday! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This week, we are drinking out of the Brig Tumbler from our pals at CPS/Keystone and ask ourselves “is this an alcoholic popsicle?”. So let’s not delay any further…watch the latest episode below!
Why Check Out The Brig From Keystone?
While we never know what we are going to get from the drink, the drinkware is usually consistent. And this week we drank out of the Brig…and it was solid. It’s a double-walled stainless steel painted tumbler and it caught our attention for a couple of reasons. First, it has a great heavy feel that screams “quality.” You know your coffee will be staying hot in this baby for hours. Second, we were caught off guard by the price point. This is a really nice piece for under $8! Oh…and as you will see in the video, the lid is perfect!
So if you are interested in finding out more on the BRIG (or any of the other drinkware we feature) check out our shop here.
Here’s a big thank you to our viewers for tuning in.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
For many, August means “back to school.” With that in mind, we want to give you a Master’s Degree in Merch this month! Well, this month we want to show you the 8 Promotional Products you need to know about in August. It’s the 8th month…and there are 8 products! Get it? This month we have items that are fun or functional (or both). And if you want to skip the line and go straight to order information…you can head here.
8 Promotional Products You Need To Know About In August
Our goal is to show you some timely, and hopefully trendy, promotional products that will hit many different price points. In addition, we will tell you what we love about the products…but also some drawbacks as well. Let’s dig in!
Battery Operated Handheld Milk Frother
With a high-speed rotating motor, this handheld frother ensures rapid and uniform frothing every time perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, hot chocolate and more. Powered using 2xAA batteries, the durable stainless steel whisk spins at 14,000 rpm! The On-Off slider is simple to use and makes for easy, one-handed frothing.
Positive: The people who like this will LOVE it! This is a cost-effective way to reach those who want to upgrade their drink experience.
Negative: It will take some explaining. Not everyone will “get it.” That being said, an opportunity to explain the product is often an opportunity to grow your brand.
Proline 12′ Tape Measure
Measure mastery for branding accuracy. The ProLine 12′ Tape Measure provides a reliable tool for precise measurements. Featuring a 12-foot pull and press-to-lock mechanism for hassle-free operation, the tape is a 1″ scale with 1/16″ increments. The rubberized finish ensures a comfortable grip during extended use, and the built-in wrist strap and belt clip enhance portability. Perfect for construction companies, builders, material suppliers, renovators, and home care.
Positive: This is incredibly functional. In nearly every office and organization, there is a need for a measuring tape. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to build a campaign around “does the competition measure up?”
Negative: Some organizations are looking for “new and trendy” and this might not fit the bill for that.
.33 Oz. Stain Remover Pen
Who doesn’t want a product that removes mistakes? We all do! This functional, cost-effective stain remover pen is a great event piece that targets anyone trying to keep their brand clean!
Positive: Everyone makes messes, so this translates to most industries. In addition, this is more cost-effective than the brand-named alternative!
Negative: This item might skew female. So it’s important to know your audience.
Left/Right Scissors
You can always tell our favorite products by whether or not we do them for ourselves. We have done these scissors more than once! They are functional, great quality, and have a wonderful imprint area. These are great pieces of branded merch that people will keep for years.
Positive: Everyone can use a great pair of scissors. But often, you can’t find them when you need them. This solves that! Your brand will be on the fridge or in the cubicle for years!
Negative: The only thing we can come up with is that they are tough to travel with. These are cool unless your organization might think they could get “a bit stabby.” lol
Oversized Carry-All Tote
The versatile size of this tote makes it perfect for traveling, vacations, and other outdoor events. Very large open main compartment with a wire rim that gives the bag its shape and sturdiness. Choose from trendy chevron colorways or the always-popular graphite finish.
Positive: Many of the items on this list are based on functionality. This is no different. Everyone can use this tote at the beach, pool, or any place you carry…well…anything.
Negative: While super functional, this item might skew a little female. So if you have a male-dominated audience, this might not be for you.
Wizzard Comfort Spinner Pen with Stylus
The Wizzard Comfort Stylus Spinner Pen seamlessly blends stress relief with an enjoyable writing experience. This executive metal pen features a stylish houndstooth pattern fidget spinner that effortlessly whizzes with a flick of a thumb. Paired with the matte soft-touch barrel and gunmetal trim, it creates the perfect promotional pen. Your brand will stand out with the large imprint area, and the smooth writing ink with push retraction ensures a joyous writing experience.
Positive: These pens are addictive! And the cost of this one will not break the bank. If you do these pens, get ready for people to ask for them!
Negative: While there are definitely more expensive spinner pens, these are not inexpensive writing instruments. That being said, we think it’s worth it when people ask for your branded merch by name!
Breakaway Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Break away from a boring listening experience! With the Breakaway speaker, you can get a true stereo sound. Simply twist the left and right side and you can separate one speaker into two, filling even large rooms with high-quality surround sound. A silicone sleeve makes it easy to twist back together and take with you wherever you go.
Positive: There are lots of positives on this one. Great sound. High perceived value. And cool factor! What do you mean it turns into TWO speakers?
Negative: While these are a great value, they are more expensive than some of the other items on this list.
30 oz. Bronx Stainless Travel Mug with Carrying Handle
Introducing the 30 oz. Bronx Stainless Travel Mug with Carrying Handle! This mug features a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, a screw-on lid with a convenient drinking spout and straw, and impressive insulation that keeps your drinks hot for up to 4 hours and cold for up to 8 hours. Its BPA-free construction ensures peace of mind, making it the perfect choice for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Positive: We love the functionality of this piece of drinkware. It has a great look for your brand, and it’s perfect for a lifestyle that is on the go! Oh…and the price point is great!
Negative: There are a lot of drinkware options on the market right now. So if you are burned out on drinkware, this might not be it for you.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Welcome to another exciting episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we dive headfirst into the world of mystery drinks. Our hosts, Jade, Kirby, and Briar, with their adventurous palates, are ready to take on the challenge of identifying the unknown beverage served in a piece of branded drinkware. Thirsty Thursday is not just about quenching thirst, but also about exploring new flavors, textures, and the thrill of the unknown. The concept is simple: our hosts are presented with a mystery drink, and they have to guess what it is based on its taste, aroma, and appearance.
Today’s episode promises to be a rollercoaster ride of flavors. Our hosts are all set to taste a mystery drink from a branded drinkware. The drinkware is not just any ordinary bottle; it’s a Billy 26 o eco-friendly aluminum bottle with an FSC bamboo lid from PCNA. The mystery drink is said to be so sweet and fruity, it’s like drinking a pixie stick! So, buckle up and get ready for a flavor-packed journey.
The Branded Drinkware
The Billy 26 o eco-friendly aluminum bottle from PCNA is not just a bottle; it’s a statement. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum, this bottle is a testament to PCNA’s commitment to sustainability. The FSC bamboo lid adds an elegant touch to the overall design, making it not just eco-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. The bottle is a perfect blend of functionality and style, making it a must-have for all beverage enthusiasts.
Despite its high-end look and feel, the bottle is surprisingly affordable. Priced under $7.50, it offers great value for money. The construction of the bottle is robust, with the aluminum body providing excellent insulation to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature. The bamboo lid is not just stylish, but also practical, offering a tight seal to prevent any leaks. In short, the Billy 26 o eco-friendly aluminum bottle is a perfect companion for your beverage adventures.
Tasting the Mystery Drink
As our hosts take their first sip of the mystery drink, their faces light up with surprise. The drink is incredibly sweet, with a fruity flavor that instantly reminds them of a pixie stick. The hosts speculate about the drink’s content, with guesses ranging from a sweetened fruit punch to a candy-flavored cocktail. The drink’s vibrant color and sweet aroma only add to the mystery.
The moment of revelation finally arrives. The mystery drink is a blue raspberry-flavored BeatBox beverage with an alcohol content of 11.1%. The hosts are taken aback by the unexpected combination of flavors. The sweetness of the blue raspberry, combined with the kick of the alcohol, makes for a unique drinking experience. It’s like drinking a pixie stick but with a twist!
Reviewing the Drink and the Bottle
The hosts give their final verdict on the mystery drink and the eco-friendly bottle. The drink receives mixed reviews. While some hosts enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor, others find it a bit too overpowering. The high alcohol content is also a point of discussion, with some hosts appreciating the kick it adds to the drink, while others feel it’s a bit too much.
The eco-friendly bottle, on the other hand, receives unanimous praise. The hosts appreciate its stylish design, practical features, and eco-friendly construction. They agree that the bottle is a great investment, offering not just functionality but also a way to support sustainability. As the episode concludes, the hosts express their excitement for the next Thirsty Thursday, leaving the viewers eagerly waiting for more.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Welcome to another exciting episode of “Thirsty Thursday,” a unique series where our hosts take on the challenge of tasting a mystery drink from a piece of amazing branded drinkware. This time, Kirby, Kelly, and Wendy, are sipping from a new piece of branded drinkware, the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug from Gold Bond. The Retro 11 oz ceramic mug is not your everyday coffee mug. It boasts a large handle that promises a comfortable grip, perfect for those who like to enjoy their drink leisurely. (And you can always learn more and order here).
The ceramic material of the mug is another feature worth mentioning. It is ideal for drinking coffee, keeping the beverage hot for longer periods. The hosts were quick to appreciate these features, making the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug from Gold Bond a star of the episode. But, of course, the real mystery lies in the drink itself. What could it be? A new coffee blend? A unique tea infusion? Or perhaps something entirely different? Let’s dive into the episode and find out.
Mystery Drink Tasting
Without further ado, the hosts dive into the tasting of the mystery drink. The anticipation is palpable as they take their first sips, their expressions a mix of curiosity and excitement. And then, the big reveal – the mystery drink is none other than Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee. This revelation takes the hosts by surprise, but in the best way possible.
Kelly, Wendy, and Kirby find the drink surprisingly good, describing it as sweet and reminiscent of caramel. The Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee, with its unique blend of flavors, seems to have won over our hosts. The sweet, caramel-like taste is a hit, making the drink a delightful surprise. It seems the Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee has indeed passed the Thirsty Thursday test!
Review and Conclusion
As the episode nears its end, the hosts give a thumbs up to both the drink and the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug. The ceramic mug, with its large handle and ideal material, has proven to be a hit. The hosts also mention that the mug is available for under four dollars at end-column pricing, making it a great buy for coffee lovers (and marketers). The Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee, with its sweet and caramel-like taste, has also won the hosts’ approval, making this episode of Thirsty Thursday a success.
This was a fun one. So, stay tuned for the next episode, and until then, keep sipping and enjoying your favorite drinks. Here’s to many more Thirsty Thursdays!
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
If you are new around here, let me let you in on a little secret. We love Branded Merch. We believe it’s one of the best ways to build a long-term brand. With that in mind, last month we created a blog featuring the 6 Promotional Products you needed to know about in June. Well, this month we want to show you the 7 Promotional Products you need to know about in July. It’s the 7th month…and there are 7 products! Get it? This month we have items that are fun or functional (or both). And if you want to skip the line and go straight to order information...you can head here.
7 Promotional Products You Need To Know About In July
Our goal is to show you some timely, and hopefully trendy, promotional products that will hit many different price points. In addition, we will tell you what we love about the products…but also some drawbacks as well. Let’s dig in!
Black & Gray Palm Dipped Gloves
No matter your walk of life…everyone needs gloves. Breathable gray knit gloves, cut, puncture & abrasion-resistant thin black nitrile coated palm. Form-fitting with great grip on dry surfaces, oil resistant. A thin palm provides great dexterity. Great for auto mechanics, assembly, technicians, delivery drivers, yard work, gardening…and so many more!
Positive: Can you say “functional?” We believe the best branded merch is functional. And no matter what you do, there are times when you need a work glove. So that means that the perceived value on this item is much higher than the actual cost.
Negative: If you are looking for “trendy new products,” then this one might not be for you.
Power Bar 3000 mAh with USB-C and Wrapper
One of our best and most popular power banks now has a 3,000 mAh battery capacity and a USB-C input port. With fully customizable design options, the Power bar is playfully disguised as an ordinary nutrition bar. Our amazing Power Bar continues to represent our core principles in providing you with products that are practical, enjoyable, and meaningful. Pair the Power Bar with any brand that encourages the healthy spirit of play in their daily work culture.
Positive: This is such a creative and useful product. Not only do you have a functional power bank that clients can use for a long time to charge your device, but the packaging can totally stand out and tell your story. Show your creativity and this can be a home run.
Negative: It does need good artwork and creativity to take this home. Don’t just slap a logo on this one or you will miss the real impact.
Microfiber Scrubber Golf Towel
Measuring 16″ x 25″, this innovative microfiber golf towel has anti-scratch scrubber loops on the back side to clean the club head or golf ball. It’s designed to dig deep into the groves of the golf club. Great for promotional events, the front side is a soft absorbent microfiber that can be embroidered or edge-to-edge printed with your company logo or custom design.
Positive: Great imprint area with the sublimation with vibrant imprint colors. In addition, the scrubber on the backside of the towel is really functional.
Negative: This is very seasonal. Now is the time to order these if you want them for golf season in much of the country.
uni-ball® Jetstream Sport
Exclusive, low-viscosity Super Ink™ combines the quick drying time of a ballpoint with the vibrant color and smoothness of a gel penuni Super-Ink™ technology protects against water, fading, & fraudInk color matches plunger color (white barrel features black ink)Point size: 1.0mmThe sleek body and form-fitting comfort grip make JetStream pens a perfect choice for everyday writing, journaling or color-coding notes.
Positive: This is a really nice writing pen. When you hand this out, your clients and prospects will keep it for a long time!
Negative: This is not the most inexpensive pen. If you are looking for a cheap pen, this might not be the one for you!
Ghostbuds
Experience audio excellence and flaunt your style. These sleek earbuds deliver Exceptional Sound with 13MM speaker drivers, delivering audio that’s crystal clear. With up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge plus an included ultra cool Compact Charging Case, your music never skips a beat. Ghostbuds are carbon neutral and crafted from 52% recycled materials. These earbuds can be decorated in 48hrs at a 1pc minimum. 2nd life packaging: the box transforms into a charging stand.
Positive: This one has many positives, but let’s start with perceived value. When you give these to employees or great customers, they will be overjoyed with the value and the cool look (and sound).
Negative: Depends on the audience. If you have an employee base or customer list that does not mesh well with tech items, this might be a stretch.
2-in-1 Marker/Cutter
File this one under, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” This box cutter/marker is an inexpensive promotional product that nearly everyone can use. We fell in love with this one so much, we did these with our own logo.
• Four-section blade with locking slide.
• Felt tip permanent marker.
• Slotted cap for snapping off dull blade pieces.
Positive: This is just so functional. From restaurants to realtors to any other business that receives shipments (that means everyone), this will be coveted. Combine that with the fact that they are only around $2…and you have a winner.
Negative: The pushback is always simple…safety. Some organizations don’t want to hand this out because of travel or perception.
Magnetic Bowl Set
Ideal for storing small parts (hardware, fasteners) while you work in your garage or workshop – use at any angle.
• 6” stainless steel magnetic bowl, 3.25” magnet on bottom.
• 3” stainless steel magnetic bowl, 1.625” magnet on bottom.
• Rubber-coated magnetic base prevents scratches on finished surfaces.
Positive: If you have ever worked on a project where you needed to take something apart, then put it back together, the appeal is clear. Give me someplace to put the screws so they don’t “walk away.”
Negative: It’s a fairly niche piece. You might think “blue collar” versus “white collar” but those lines are blurring for sure!
So there you have it! These are 6 Promotional Products You Need To Know About In June! Want to see more? Check out our Summer Shop here!
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Welcome to another episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we explore the fascinating world of beverages, one sip at a time. This week, we’re diving into a mystery drink served in a 3 oz mini mate shot glass from Modern Glass. This intriguing little glassware piece is not only perfect for our tasting adventure, but it also sparks our imagination for other potential uses. Imagine using it as a unique giveaway at events or as a fun element in team-building activities. But for today, it’s all about the mystery drink it holds.
Our mission is to unravel the secrets of this drink. Is it a yeasty liquor? Does it taste like watered-down vodka or beer? Or is it something entirely different? Join us as we embark on this tasting journey, share our initial impressions, make wild guesses about the flavor, and finally reveal the true identity of this mystery drink. So, grab your shot glasses, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
Tasting the Mystery Drink
As we take our first sips of the mystery drink, our taste buds are immediately intrigued. The flavor profile is complex, with a yeasty undertone that reminds us of a well-crafted liquor. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely there, adding a unique twist to the drink. It’s almost like a watered-down vodka or beer, but there’s something more to it, something that we can’t quite put our finger on just yet.
Our initial impressions are mixed. The yeasty flavor is unexpected, but not unpleasant. It’s a taste that’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely intriguing. We’re curious to find out more about this drink, and we’re eager to continue our tasting journey.
Guessing the Flavor
As we continue to taste the mystery drink, we start to speculate on its flavor. Could it be a pineapple-infused vodka? Or perhaps a fruity beer? Our guesses are all over the place, but there’s one thing we all agree on: this drink is unlike anything we’ve tasted before.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives. The mystery drink is revealed to be sake. We’re surprised, but in retrospect, it makes sense. The yeasty flavor, the subtle complexity, the hint of fruitiness – it all adds up to a well-crafted sake.
Opinions on Sake
Now that we know we’re drinking sake, our opinions are divided. One of us is a fan, enjoying the subtle flavors and the smooth finish. The other, however, is not as impressed. It’s not that the sake is bad, it’s just not to their taste. And that’s the beauty of tasting – everyone has their own preferences and opinions.
Despite our differing opinions, we all agree that this sake-tasting experience has been a fun and enlightening journey. We’ve learned a lot about this traditional Japanese drink, and we’re eager to explore more in the future.
Characteristics of Sake
So, what exactly is sake? It’s a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. The result is a drink with a subtle flavor and a unique character. It’s not as strong as vodka, but it’s not as light as beer either. It’s somewhere in between, with a complexity that’s hard to describe.
One of the things we love about sake is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be mixed with other drinks to create interesting cocktails. For example, try mixing sake with orange juice for a refreshing and unique drink. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our Thirsty Thursday episode, we can’t help but reflect on the fun we’ve had with the mini-mate shot glass from Modern Glass. It’s been the perfect vessel for our mystery drink, adding a touch of elegance and fun to our tasting experience.
Overall, we’ve enjoyed this yeasty liquor adventure. We’ve tasted, we’ve guessed, we’ve learned, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. We can’t wait to see what the next Thirsty Thursday brings. Until then, cheers! Oh…and if you want to see all of the cool branded drinkware featured in Thirsty Thursday, check out our shop here.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
